Thermal power plants emit sulfur dioxide (SO₂) year-round at levels 240 times greater than stubble burning, a seasonal contributor to air pollution responsible for 17.8 kilotonnes of SO₂ emissions annually, according to a paper published by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
“The time has come to hold thermal power plants accountable,” said a spokesperson from CREA as per a Business Standard report. “If India is serious about tackling air pollution, it must enforce strict compliance with environmental norms for its coal-fired power plants.”
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached an alarming 494 at 4 pm on November 17, placing several areas in the ‘severe’ category of the index. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the Delhi-National Capital Region, which includes halting construction and demolition activities to curb dust pollution.
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However, the CREA report emphasised that addressing emissions from coal-fired power plants is crucial for long-term improvements in air quality.
What Is Sulfur Dioxide Air Pollution?
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a gaseous air pollutant consisting of sulfur and oxygen. It is released when sulfur-containing fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, or diesel are burned in factories and vehicles.
Regular exposure to sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems, such as bronchitis, irritated nose, throat, and lungs, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, phlegm, and asthma attacks. SO₂ also contributes to acid rain, causing widespread ecological damage.
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Despite these risks, thermal power plants continue to receive regulatory leniency regarding the installation of flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) systems, which can reduce SO₂ emissions by 64 per cent.
“While stubble burning faces heavy penalties, coal-fired power plants benefit from repeated compliance extensions,” the CREA report stated.
India and Sulfur Dioxide Emissions
India is the largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in the world, contributing over 15 per cent of global human-caused emissions, according to a Greenpeace report.
The complete implementation of FGD systems could reduce the annual SO₂ emissions from thermal power plants in India from 4,327 kilotonnes to approximately 1,547 kilotonnes, the CREA report suggests. Coupled with other measures, this could significantly lower overall SO₂ emissions.
The report recommends integrating timelines for FGD installation across sectors, charging penalties for delays, and regularly monitoring FGD implementation to ensure emission reductions and achieve sustained improvements in air quality.
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